Short Takes

Our survey of T&A documentaries continues. This outing, struggling actress Jill Morley turns her moonlighting as a go-go dancer into fodder for a pseudo-journalistic expose on the grim realities of topless entertainment. Now, we're not talking about those glitzy joints found in Vegas, or even right here in Dallas. No, we're talking JERSEY. Places where they dang near turn the lights OFF and not for the purposes of "mood." It's this near gutter-level vantage point that helps strip away any perception of glamor and give a razor's edge to the observations of Morley and the half dozen or so colleagues she chooses to interview. Each delve candidly into the lure of money that first drew them into the business, and for most, now keeps them there. Surprise, surprise. It turns out these gals are pretty goldang miserable. In fact, by the end of the piece TWO of them meet tragic ends. A sadistic twist of fate that makes this otherwise puny enterprise morosely compelling. But what's with filmmakers using the documentary format for parental torture? Morley, like Julia Query in Live Nude Girls Unite!, makes a wholly calculated decision to reveal her secret career choice to her mother ON CAMERA!!! The ensuing play for manufactured drama cheapens the whole flick and is a transparent exercise in self-indulgence. Eight breasts. Pasty twirling. Pole dancing. Gratuitous "performance art." One thong roll call. Interpretive dance. Implant talk. This is one dancer without an inflated view of her chosen occupation, "The truth is they're drunk and it's all about their f@#&ing erections! It's not about anything other than that."

2001, 75 minutes, Fullframe, Deleted scenes (50 mins), Music video, Trailer.